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Melvin: Failed talks to acquire Papelbon led to K-Rod contract

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

Brewers general manager Doug Melvin said the decision to sign closer Francisco Rodriguez to a two-year contract happened because talks were going nowhere in their attempt to acquire Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon.

“We did engage them and didn’t come to a comparable deal for both sides,” Melvin told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “We had a lot of conversations. It’s complicated because of next year with the $13 million (vesting option). Even if you agree to a deal, you have to go to the agent about the no-trade (clause to Milwaukee)."

Papelbon will be paid $13 million next season if he finishes 48 games in 2015.

With the news the Brewers are bringing back closer Francisco Rodriguez, Milwaukee trading for Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon is probably no longer on the table. Although, Papelbon doesn't seem disappointed he won't be dealt to Milwaukee.

“No, not really,” Papelbon said, per CSNPhilly.com. “I’m glad (Rodriguez) signed. I think he’s a talent that needs to be in Major League Baseball.

“I would have gone there if it was the right thing for me and if the Phillies felt it was the right thing for them, but obviously that wasn’t the case.”

The Phillies have also talked to the Blue Jays about a trade involving Papelbon, but the veteran closer would have to waive his no-trade clause to accept a deal to Toronto.

“Yes, Toronto, interests me -- if it interests (Phillies general manager) Ruben (Amaro),” he said. “I know some of the guys on their coaching staff. They’re a good team. If Ruben can do a deal with them, I’d be interested.”

While Papelbon would welcome a trade to a contender, if he stays with Philadelphia, he appears optimistic about the team's chances in 2015.

“If we come out and play the baseball we’re capable of playing then I plan on being right here and righting the ship here,” he said. “I want to right the ship here more than I want to leave. I’ll get more satisfaction turning this thing around and winning here than going somewhere else.

“My storybook ending here is sneaking into the wild card and getting hot in the playoffs with these Phillies.”

Relief pitcher Jonathan Papelbon met with the media at spring training on Friday and was critical of the team's front office.

"In my opinion, I’m still not so sold on this entire rebuilding,” he told Jake Kaplan of the Philadelphia Inquirer. “I know that that’s one of the things that myself and some of the veterans that are going to be coming into camp want to probably sit down with (the front office) and say, ‘Hey, you know. Let’s get a little bit better feel on the state of the organization and let’s come up with a plan and go one way or the other. I just think we’re kind of in limbo now.”

The 34-year-old Papelbon was the subject of offseason trade rumors. He said he'd welcome a deal. "For me, I would go anywhere that wants me,” he said. “If Philadelphia still wants me and they want me to be a piece of this puzzle and continue to be a leader in this bullpen, I love my chances of staying here and competing. But if Toronto wants me, if Milwaukee wants me, whoever wants me, they’re going to get someone who knows how to compete and go play ball and lay it on the line. That’s basically what it boils down to for me."

However, Milwaukee was unwilling to make that deal, and instead offered reliever Jonathan Broxton to Philadelphia as a way to offset finances. But the Phillies viewed that offer as even less attractive since they were not landing a top prospect and didn't see the significant financial benefit, sources said.

Broxton will earn $9 million this season, and his deal includes a $9 million club option or $1 million buyout for 2016. Papelbon will earn $13 million this season, and his $13 million option for '16 will vest if he finishes 48 games. The Brewers are on Papelbon's no-trade list, and he would likely require them to pick up his option, if he were to approve a trade.

The Phillies have talked to the Brewers and Blue Jays about a trade involving closer Jonathan Papelbon. Sources told ESPN those discussions are "not dead," but they don't seem to progressing either.

"Same as last week, and a couple of weeks ago, and the week before that. Not much has changed," Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro said about trade discussions involving Papelbon. "We're still having dialogue. But not much has changed."